A DAWLISH man has made history by knocking down the world-famous Twin Towers at Wembley Stadium – one of the world's most famous sports images.
Grandfather Ray Tidmarsh was given the chance to pull down the towers after winning a competition run by BBC Five Live.
Mr Tidmarsh, 61, said: 'I was a little bit disappointed because there was no special effects or explosion! but it really was the kick-off to the beginnings of the new stadium to be enjoyed by our children and grandchildren in the new millennium.'
To bag the once-in-a lifetime opportunity, Mr Tidmarsh had to follow a week-long competition on the radio show and compose a tie-breaker.
The demolition marks the end of the historic stadium that has played host to some of the finest football moments, including the 1966 World Cup.
Unfortunately the last memory will be of England's defeat at the hands of Germany in the World Cup qualifiers in 2000.
A new £757 million stadium, complete with seating for 90,000 and featuring a state of the art sliding roof, is due to open in 2006.
'I'll be sad to see it go, but it is important that there is change,' said Mr Tidmarsh.
As souvenirs of the momentous occasion, Mr Tidmarsh was presented with a 14in tall stone lion from one of the towers and a painting of Wembley stadium.
Mr Tidmarsh was greeted by 1966 world cup hero George Cohen and former England and Liverpool goalkeeper Ray Clemence.
A long-time sporting fan, Mr Tidmarsh admits that now he's retired, sporting interests 'are from the armchair.'
'I was fortunate to be able to take my wife Susan and youngest son, David. It is something to be remembered for,' said Mr Tidmarsh.
The two towers were the last remaining parts of the stadium. The rest had already been levelled ready for the day's proceedings.